Episode Description
In the second episode of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with author Jared Maxwell to discuss his crime noir novel, Code of Vengeance, and the real-world experiences that helped shape its story.
Drawing from a career in the military and law enforcement, Jared shares how those experiences influenced his writing while explaining why he believes the best stories are built on complex characters rather than simple heroes and villains.
Together they discuss:
- The inspiration behind Code of Vengeance
- Creating the "Florida Noir" genre
- Using dark comedy to explore serious subjects
- Storytelling, character development, and writing morally gray protagonists
- The influence of Alien, Aliens, Breaking Bad, and classic noir fiction
- Leadership lessons from the military
- The realities of law enforcement compared to Hollywood
- How writing became a form of therapy and creative expression
The conversation wraps up with a few fun rapid-fire questions covering zombie survival, unusual food combinations, first jobs, and more.
Whether you're interested in crime fiction, thriller writing, military experiences, or the creative process behind unforgettable characters, this episode offers an insightful look beyond the finished novel.
Guest: Jared Maxwell
Featured Book: Code of Vengeance
Thanks for listening, and let's go Beyond the Page.
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